Abstract: A test system for diagnosing twisted pair wiring includes a system processor in communication with a subscriber line interface module, which includes a codec and a SLIC (Subscriber Line Interface Circuit). The SLIC transmits a waveform having a frequency used for voice or baseband modem transmissions onto the twisted pair wiring. The system processor transmits a digital PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) stream to the codec, and the codec converts the digital PCM stream into the waveform transmitted onto the twisted pair wiring. In response to the transmitted waveform, the SLIC senses current on the twisted pair wiring. The codec generates an output waveform corresponding to the sensed current. The system processor receives the output waveform from the codec as a digital PCM stream, synchronizes the transmitted waveform and the output waveform at a single sample, and determines electrical properties of the twisted pair wiring from the output waveform.

Abstract: A system for testing a conductor of a structure can include a test device connected to the conductor. The test device is configured to test an electrical characteristic of the conductor and to produce a test result based at least in part on the electrical characteristic. A service provider network may be configured to communicate with the test device to initiate a test and/or to obtain the test result. A customer may use a computing device to obtain information regarding the test result, as well as guidance for troubleshooting and resolving a problem detected with the electrical conductor, such as a fault.

Abstract: An improper connection determination method includes a closed circuit forming step, a current detection step and a determination step. In the closed circuit forming step, a closed circuit from one of at least two contacts in a telephone connection terminal of a communication apparatus to another one of the at least two contacts in the telephone connection terminal is formed. In the current detection step, a current flowing in the closed circuit, when the closed circuit is formed in the closed circuit forming step, is detected. In the determination step, it is determined that the telephone line is improperly connected to the telephone connection terminal when the current is detected in the current detection step.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a first diagnostic test on a first class of service on a network link during a current measurement period, performing at least one further diagnostic test on a second class of service on the network link during the current measurement period, determining whether an alert was present during a previous measurement period and generating a current failure alert based on results of the first and the at least one further diagnostic tests if an alert was present during the previous measurement period.

Abstract: Embodiments for connecting and disconnecting a first pair of conductors of a jack from a second pair of conductors of the jack, the first pair of conductors configured to connect to a first line and the second pair of conductors configured to connect to a secondary line, detecting a voltage or a current on the secondary line while the second pair of conductors is disconnected from the first pair of conductors, and notifying a user in response to detecting the voltage or the current on the secondary line while the second pair of conductors is disconnected from the first pair of conductors are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a communications or data patch cable used to conduct a signal between computing or telecommunications devices. The invention provides a physical indication of the location of an opposite end of a given patch cable when a switching means on the first end of the same cable is activated. The invention utilizes an existing pair of wires in category-type cables to send a DC voltage when activated to illuminate a light emitting diode in the opposite end of a patch cable thereby providing an immediate indication of the location of the termination of the opposite end of a patch cable making it possible to visually identify a cable without removing the cable from service or from connection of the modular plugs on either end of the cable.

Abstract: A splicing method and apparatus is provided to facilitate efficient identification of cable wires to be spliced. Multiple wires are coupled to a test circuit, and a test signal is selectively applied to wire pairs with a switch. The wire carrying the signal in the cable to be replaced is then cut and spliced to a corresponding wire in a replacement cable.

Abstract: A method and a system for impairment line testing are provided. The method includes electrically connecting a first terminal of a measurement device, which may be a time domain reflectometer, to both wires of a twisted wire pair of a telephone line, which interconnects a telephone line card with a subscriber. The second terminal of the measurement device is electrically connected to a common reference, which may be the ground reference. Then, the method includes performing an impairment testing on the telephone line from the measurement device toward the subscriber.

Abstract: Double-ended line probing (DELP) techniques are described herein that enable a loop configuration to be identified based on mathematically simple error functions, which are both time-efficient and less sensitive to measurement errors. A DELP algorithm uses readily available data about the channel that is generated prior to the modem operation (e.g., theoretical loop models) and other available data (e.g., that provided by loop diagnostic modules) to estimate the loop configuration including the line length and gauge, as well as the number of bridge taps and their gauges, lengths, and locations.

Abstract: Methods and test sets allow multi-line telecommunications services to be tested. The methods and test sets utilize multiple connections so that test connections to multiple lines can be made at once. Multiple test clips may be used where two clips are attached to two conductors of the test set for each line to be tested. A modular plug such as an RJ-11 plug may be used to plug into a modular jack that provides multiple lines of telecommunication service, and the modular plug has a pair of conductors connected to a pair of conductors of a test set for each line to be tested. Additionally, various combinations of clips and modular plugs may be provided to establish test connections to the multiple telecommunication lines to be tested.

Abstract: A method characterizes a customer line for data transmission. The method includes measuring electrical properties of the customer line from a central location, identifying a line model from the measurements, and identifying a modem model for a modem selected for use with the customer line. The modem model gives performance data for the selected modem. The method also predicts performance data for the customer line when operated with the selected modem by combining the line and modem models.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system is provided for testing a communications line. The method comprises removing a repeater from an access case connected to a telecommunications line, connecting a test adapter to the access case and a test extension apparatus to the test adapter. The method further comprises connecting a plurality of diagnostic equipment devices to the test extension apparatus and testing the communications line with the diagnostics equipment via the test extension apparatus. The apparatus comprises a spool having a plurality of terminals, and a length of wire wound on the spool. The wire includes a plurality of subpairs of wires each of the subpairs of wires having a first end electrically connectable to the communications line, and a second end electrically connected to a corresponding terminal on the spool.

Abstract: For tracing multi-conductor cable runs from multiple phone/data locations throughout a building or complex to a junction facility where the cables need to be systematically identified and connected to a terminal panel, rapid tracing and identification are accomplished by deploying a large number of special low-cost senders, e.g. a set of forty eight senders, connecting as many senders as required to energize every cable at each location via its standard modular jack. Each sender delivers a unique identification signal, e.g. a spoken number from 1 to 48, energizing a corresponding phone cable and/or data cable. With all of the cables thusly energized simultaneously and distinguishably, a technician working with a proximity probe in the junction facility can rapidly identify and tag and/or connect all the cables in an uninterrupted session, without requiring the usual assistant and intercom link, and with no time wasted probing unenergized cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of remotely controlling electronic devices, such as telecommunication equipment attached to telephone lines, test equipment, and/or home electronics includes a master board (105) having its own IP address and arranged and constructed to receive (401) instructions via the internet (103) from a remote terminal (101). The instructions are interpreted and converted into one or more commands that are directed (405) to a slave board (113 or 117) that performs, in response to the command(s), one or more operations on a telephone line and its associated hardware and/or software (115), a piece of test equipment (125), lights (123), or other type of electronic device. Any results of the operations may be returned to the terminal (101).

Abstract: Methods and test sets allow multi-line telecommunications services to be tested. The methods and test sets utilize multiple connections so that test connections to multiple lines can be made at once. Multiple test clips may be used where two clips are attached to two conductors of the test set for each line to be tested. A modular plug such as an RJ-11 plug may be used to plug into a modular jack that provides multiple lines of telecommunication service, and the modular plug has a pair of conductors connected to a pair of conductors of a test set for each line to be tested. Additionally, various combinations of clips and modular plugs may be provided to establish test connections to the multiple telecommunication lines to be tested.

Abstract: A computer-executable method for diagnosing trouble causes in telephone cable segments when trouble data are available only for entire cables is presented. This method diagnoses problems in the components of processes when the component location of process problems is not known. It gives a statistical relationship between component attributes and process problem rates, to facilitate assessment and improvement of policies about the process. This method may be used for diagnosing systematic problems in segments of telephone cable connections of given central offices.

Abstract: A method of distributing wide band data using a neutral-to-ground circuit within an electrical wiring installation includes modifying a load center with an interface module which interfaces to the neutral-to-ground circuit and configuring the interface module to compensate for varying impedance within the neutral-to-ground circuit to improve data transmission characteristics. Multiple embodiments are included within the method for compensation of varying impedance including channel sounding, spectral waterfilling, and communications using spread spectrum techniques, for example, frequency hopping and direct sequencing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing connection of customer premise equipment to a trunk, comprising a user interface for receiving user commands from a remote location, memory registers for storing indications of trunk type and status, and a controller for initiating automatic trunk tests responsive to the user commands and in response storing the indications of trunk type and status in the memory registers and outputting the indications to said the interface.

Abstract: Whether or not protection circuitry for a span-powered remote digital subscriber loop unit is properly connected to earth ground is determined by the deliberate assertion and detection of a ground fault from a central office line card location. The span-powered remote unit is augmented to place a controllable conduction path in circuit with the span-powered loop and an earth ground pin. If the earth ground pin has been properly connected to earth ground, applying the conductive path will place a ground fault on the span, which is detected by a ground fault detector within the central office line card. If the ground fault detector does not detect a ground fault in response to the application of the conductive path, the line card forwards a negative ground fault event message to a test center, so that a service technician may be dispatched to the remote unit to correct the problem.

Abstract: A ‘lifeline’ POTS back-up mechanism is operative to provide emergency plain old telephone service connectivity over a span-powered two-wire metallic digital subscriber loop pair, in response to a customer's phone going off-hook, during a lack of normal operating condition of the digital circuit path. A ground fault interruption signal is generated in a remote terminal and used to activate respective POTS by-pass paths in the remote terminal and a central office terminal.

Abstract: A clamp device includes a clamp body comprising a clamp head, a stationary holding part extending downwardly from one end of the clamping head, and a driving handle pivotally installed on one side of the clamping head, and an telephone and network cable test device, comprising a main test set and a secondary test set that is installed in a chamber formed on one end of the main test set, wherein the main test set has a case consisting of a first half and a second half, and the first half and the second half cover the stationary holding part of the clamp body, and wherein a front end of the case of the main test set is fixed on the stationary holding part for integrating the telephone and network cable test device with the clamp body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a supported signal path for a transceiver in a communication system is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus includes a relay for selecting a first test signal path from a first signal path and a second signal path. A signal detector coupled to the relay may be used to determine whether a specified signal type is present on the first test signal path. A relay controller causes the relay to select a second test signal path from the first signal path and the second signal path in response to the signal detector determining that the specified signal type is not present on the first test signal path.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions. The base unit is generic to all types of test to be provided, and comprises a display, a power supply, a user interface, and generic software to operate the display and user interface. Each application module is connected to the base unit in the same manner, so that the same base unit can he employed with a wide variety of application modules. The application modules can be readily and conveniently removed from and assembled to the base unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing telephone equipment for longitudinal balance. A signal generating circuit places a test signal at a certain frequency on the tip and ring wires of a telephone line. The telephone line is monitored and the signals on the tip and ring wires are measured and compared against each other. The frequency is gradually increased in set increments until the test frequency is in the megahertz range.

Abstract: In a telephone communication system employing a lower spectral band and a higher spectral band for communication of voice and video, wherein the system includes a first line for carrying signals at both the first and the second spectral bands and a second line for carrying signals at only the second spectral band, and wherein capacitors are employed for connection of the second line to the first line for exclusion of DC at a signal splitter of the communication system, the system has a bypass DC signal path for an alternative connection of the second line to the first line in substitution for the connection of the capacitors. The bypass can be activated electronically and remotely to establish conditions for the conduction of test of the signal carrying lines.

Abstract: The invention presented herein is directed to a remotely addressable maintenance unit (RAMU) working in conjunction with a test head at the central office for detecting and locating faults in digital subscriber loop (DSL) and/or plain old telephone system (POTS) environments. The RAMU includes circuitry for setting and resetting one or more relays for either normal or testing/maintenance mode. The present invention provides a system and method for addressing the RAMU by applying either positive or negative voltages from the tip to ground, from ring to ground, and from tip and ring to ground. In this manner, individual RAMUs can be defined/designed to respond in certain voltage levels and polarities. Accurate fault detection and sectionalization is achieved by the combination of the addressing capabilities enumerated herein, and the impedance signature designed into the RAMU, working in concert with a test head in the central office.

Abstract: An electronic relay matrix (22) is connectable between a plurality of customer telephone lines and a plurality of testers (2, 201-203). The electronic relay matrix (22) includes a line matrix (80) having a plurality of relay assemblies (821-8250). Each relay assembly (82) in a relaxed state connects together the line-side (12) and the drop-side (8) of one of the customer telephone lines. Each relay assembly (82) is adjustable to enable one of the plurality of testers (2, 201-203) to be connected to the drop-side (8) and/or the line-side (12) of a desired customer telephone line.

Abstract: A computer-executable method for diagnosing trouble causes in telephone cable segments when trouble data are available only for entire cables is presented. This method diagnoses problems in the components of processes when the component location of process problems is not known. It gives a statistical relationship between component attributes and process problem rates, to facilitate assessment and improvement of policies about the process. This method may be used for diagnosing systematic problems in segments of telephone cable connections of given central offices.

Abstract: A method detects a fault in a subscriber line having two wires with separate input impedances. The method includes driving the subscriber line from one end with an alternating voltage, making one-ended electrical measurements on the driven liner and determining from the measurements a quantity proportional to the phase difference of the two input impedances. The method also includes identifying a fault in response to the phase difference having a signature associated with presence of a fault in the line.

Abstract: A method and automatic test system for determining qualification of a twisted pair transmission line to propagate data signals. The method includes measuring phase imbalance in the twisted pair transmission line. The phase imbalance is determined by resistance imbalance in the twisted pair transmission line. The resistance imbalance is determined by applying a common mode voltage to the twisted pair transmission line; and, determining phase imbalance in the twisted pair in response to the applied common mode voltage. The method includes applying a common mode voltage to the twisted pair transmission line; determining phase imbalance if the twisted pair in response to the applied common mode voltage; detecting a peak in the determined phase imbalance; determining a frequency of the detected peak; determining line qualification in accordance with the determined frequency.

Abstract: The invention presented herein is directed to a remotely addressable maintenance unit (RAMU) working in conjunction with a test head at the central office for detecting and locating faults in digital subscriber loop (DSL) and/or plain old telephone system (POTS) environments. The RAMU includes circuitry for setting and resetting one or more relays for either normal or testing/maintenance mode. The present invention provides a system and method for addressing the RAMU by applying either positive or negative voltages from the tip to ground, from ring to ground, and from tip and ring to ground. In this manner, individual RAMUs can be defined/designed to respond in certain voltage levels and polarities. Accurate fault detection and sectionalization is achieved by the combination of the addressing capabilities enumerated herein, and the impedance signature designed into the RAMU, working in concert with a test head in the central office.

Abstract: A telephone line measurement circuit is disclosed for detecting a variation of a characteristic between a first and a second leads of a telephone line. The circuit comprises a first circuit having a first and a second inputs and an output. The circuit also has a second circuit having a first and a second inputs and an output. The first input of the first circuit and the second input of the second circuit are coupled to the first lead of the telephone line and the second input of the first circuit and the first input of the second circuit are coupled to the second lead of the telephone line. The outputs of the first and the second circuits are then coupled together to provide an output for the measurement circuit.

Abstract: A system and method to detect ground faults in a multi-processor communication system that includes a communications link that extends between the processors. The processors isolate different sections of the link. Measurements made with different isolated sections establish the location of the fault. The processors can also make measurements of the link to establish the magnitude of a shunt impedance on the link. Where an abnormal value of shunt impedance is detected, the respective devices can activate or deactivate solid state isolation circuitry to disconnect a section of the link exhibiting the abnormal level of shunt impedance.

Abstract: A two-ended, line-driving and receiving/tone signal analysis system performs line connection verification applying a low-distortion, low-amplitude test signal to one end of a cable pair under test and monitoring the response of a remote end wireline pair. Preferably the test signal frequency is on the order of 110 Hz, which avoids domestic and foreign AC power signal frequencies and is spectrally equidistant from their harmonics. It also avoids ringing frequencies for POTS lines, and remains safely below the 350 Hz lower limit of POTS and other telephone line system services. In response to application of the 110 Hz test signal to tip and ring segments of a wireline pair at one end of the cable bundle, the energy of the 110 Hz component, as well as that of two other ‘spectrally nearby’ (slightly higher at 112 Hz and slightly lower at 108 Hz), are measured at a tip and ring pair at the far end of the cable plant.

Abstract: A telephone line status notification system including at least one telephone line having a status, a communications network, at least one communications terminal which is connectable to the communications network and which is employable by a seeking user to communicate via the communications network a status request concerning the status of the at least one telephone line, apparatus for processing the status request the apparatus for processing is connectable to the communications network for receiving the status request from the seeking user therethrough and communicating the request, and apparatus for acquiring the status of the at least one telephone line, the apparatus for acquiring is in communication with the apparatus for processing for receiving the status request therefrom, and the apparatus for acquiring is connectable to the communications network for communicating the status via the communications network.